HC Pro 1-Clinical Lab Science

The purpose of this position is to receive and independently evaluate all sample submissions that come into the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (VDL) to interpret and assign an inclusive list of diagnostic tests and procedures to be performed on the samples. Based on these interpretations, the incumbent will coordinate an appropriate course of sample distribution to the appropriate labs within the VDL to meet the list of testing requirements, as established by this position. This position will also be helping work at the front desk to receive specimens for diagnostic testing involving face to face interactions with clients. Lastly, the position will also ship out biological specimens to other labs for additional testing, vaccination production, etc. These duties are performed under the general supervision of the laboratory section manager.

Location and Work Environment

• This is a fully in-person position located at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in St. Paul, Minnesota.
• The role requires on-site, hands-on work with diagnostic specimens in a laboratory environment.
• Employees are expected to follow established biosafety, quality assurance, and regulatory protocols while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Schedule

• The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
• This position requires participation in a weekend on-call rotation, holiday work, and overtime as needed to support operational demands.

Visa Sponsorship Eligibility

• This position is NOT eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship

Job Responsibilities

60%- Diagnostic Sample Handling

• Facilitate the daily receipt of a high volume of diagnostic samples, while adhering to strict time constraints and deadlines
• Perform accurate handling, sorting and labeling of diagnostic samples based on submission analysis.
• Independently interpret submission forms, documents, data, and client history to determine an appropriate, case-specific course of action for the submission.
• Independently inspect and evaluate incoming diagnostic samples to determine their viability, quality, and appropriateness for further diagnostic work-up.
• Based on these evaluations, assign a priority level status to the case and initiate status level communications to downstream personnel.
• Demonstrate solid problem-solving skills when handling submissions that arrive with incomplete or limited information.
• Initiate advanced investigations on inadequate submissions by utilizing a working knowledge of client history, diagnostic trends, and testing expectations.
• Create a unique case number for each diagnostic submission based on the findings of the submission interpretations listed above and the testing requirements as assigned.
• Successfully navigate and utilize LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) to create case numbers, track diagnostic samples, enter and edit client information and sample data, and extract test results and reports.

Diagnostic Sample Routing

• Organize diagnostic submissions into groups based on their specific test requests and priority level status.
• Coordinate the distribution of diagnostic samples to downstream labs in a predetermined order based on the testing requirements and priority levels assigned to each case.
• Compile the corresponding documents and test requests for each group and distribute them appropriately.
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills by adhering to strict time constraints, to comply with the testing schedules of downstream sections, and prioritize sample distribution accordingly.

• Inform downstream sections of incoming submissions of high priority, off-schedule testing requests, or changes to in-progress testing.

20%- Diagnostic Sample Outsourcing

• Coordinate the shipment of biological samples to other laboratories for outsource testing, research collaborations, and case consultations.
• Attend bi-annual training and maintain certification in Category A and B Infectious Substance and Dry Ice Shipping.
• Assemble diagnostic samples and associated documents for outsourcing; including state, federal, and international permits and customs documents.
• Determine priority level of each shipment based on the purpose and contents of the shipment.
• Prepare shipments in compliance with state and federal shipping regulations.
• Manage shipping software and regulation updates for a large number of courier services.

15%- Client Coordinator/Administration Duties

• Perform light reception duties as needed including specimen reception by walk-in clients.
• Communicate with clients in a professional manner via phone, e-mail or in person to get clarification on submission discrepancies, collect payment for submissions, coordinate package/sample reception, etc.
• Scan documents into document management software.
• Troubleshoot issues with case accessioning, sample tracking, etc.
• Perform laboratory maintenance duties as assigned by the section manager.
• Fulfill/ship out supply orders from VDL clients.

5%- Quality Assurance Duties

• This employee has been trained to participate in VDL activities according to the VDL Quality Manual (SYS.QM.001) and System Policies (SYS.POLICY.001).
• This employee is expected to perform procedures according to VDL SOPs.
• This employee will participate in the detection and review of nonconforming work, determination of corrective/preventive actions and contribute as a member of the VDL team in order to optimize opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Employees will review their CV or resume on an annual basis and provide an updated copy to their supervisor as needed.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field of science
  • OR a combination of education and related scientific /veterinary medicine experience to total 4 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the animal health industry, veterinary medical terminology, customer service experience and BSL-2 lab experience

Physical Requirements

• The employee must be able to be on their feet the majority of the working day and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance, occasionally lift and/or move over 25 pounds with assistance.
• Job risks/Safety: potential exposure to Category B substances (animal tissues, saliva, blood, serum, swabs, feces, semen, etc) infectious organisms and potentially live animals with suspected illnesses (i.e. rabies).
• This position will require staff to be current on a rabies vaccination (which includes regular rabies titers) to ensure proper protection.
• Employees are trained to follow the lab safety plan created by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) is a national leader in providing rapid diagnosis of animal diseases, identifying emerging diseases, developing new diagnostic methods, and training diagnosticians and veterinarians. The VDL serves the interests of the livestock and poultry industry, animal research scientists and educators, and companion animal owners. We provide strong support to the state as the official laboratory of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health as well as supporting the national animal and human health system. The laboratory is a part of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as Minnesota's only full-service laboratory for animal health diagnosis.

Pay Range: $21.93 - $23.01/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.